New vehicle sales slow down as economy applies brakes

New vehicles have fallen for a third consecutive month with the sharpest fall among private buyers. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

Large SUVs and utes continue to dominate Australia's auto market, sales figures reveal as more motorists are hit the brakes on new purchases. 

Sales of new vehicles fell for a third consecutive month in October with the steepest drop among private buyers, according to Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries data released on Wednesday.